Since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, the government has invoked Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution to declare emergency rule in various regions, aiming to address significant security challenges and political crises. Below is a detailed history of these declarations:
1. Plateau State (2004):
- Date Declared: May 18, 2004
- President: Olusegun Obasanjo
- Reason: Escalating inter-communal violence between Muslim and Christian communities resulted in over 2,000 deaths since September 2001.
- Actions Taken: Governor Joshua Dariye and the State House of Assembly were suspended. An administrator was appointed to restore peace and order.
2. Ekiti State (2006):
- Date Declared: October 19, 2006
- President: Olusegun Obasanjo
- Reason: Political crisis stemming from the impeachment of Governor Ayodele Fayose, leading to a breakdown of law and order.
- Actions Taken: Both the governor and his deputy were removed from office, and a retired military officer was appointed administrator to manage the state’s affairs.
3. Parts of Borno and Plateau States (2011):
- Date Declared: December 31, 2011
- President: Goodluck Jonathan
- Reason: Escalation of terrorist activities by Boko Haram, particularly in local government areas within Borno and Plateau States.
- Actions Taken: Targeted deployment of military forces to affected regions to combat insurgency.
4. Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States (2013):
- Date Declared: May 14, 2013
- President: Goodluck Jonathan
- Reason: Worsening insurgency by Boko Haram, leading to significant loss of lives and displacement.
- Actions Taken: Comprehensive military operations were launched to reclaim territories held by insurgents. Notably, existing democratic structures, including governors and state assemblies, were retained to function alongside federal interventions.
5. Rivers State (2025):
- Date Declared: March 18, 2025
- President: Bola Tinubu
- Reason: The severe political crisis was marked by internal conflicts within the state’s political leadership and significant militant pipeline vandalism, leading to economic and security concerns.
- Actions Taken: Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all state lawmakers were suspended. A retired Admiral was appointed as the caretaker administrator for six months.
These instances highlight the federal government’s use of emergency powers to address severe public order and safety threats. The specific measures taken during each declaration varied based on the unique challenges presented by each situation.
